Multiple Wavelength Light Source Using Optical Comb Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple wavelength light sources, such as those using mode-locked lasers or Fabry-Perot optical modulators, require complex apparatuses and high costs to stabilize optical paths and generate multiple wavelengths, while optical comb generators with SSB modulators face issues with phase relationships and light interference, limiting their effectiveness in wavelength multiplexed communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A multiple wavelength light source utilizing an optical comb generator with an optical SSB modulator, an amplifier, and an optical adjusting portion that includes multiple light sources or modulators to generate a plurality of lights with different wavelengths, preventing interference and allowing for a simple and cost-effective apparatus, capable of producing n times the output of conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical comb generator uses a single light source to avoid interference, then light interference is prevented, but the number of wavelength components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independent laser sources, each generating a separate optical comb. By segmenting the system into multiple wavelength groups from different lasers, the apparatus can provide more wavelength components than a single light source while maintaining interference-free operation through proper frequency spacing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lights with different wavelengths are input to an optical comb generator, then the number of wavelength components increases, but light interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different frequency spacing characteristics to different laser sources. Each laser group operates with its own frequency spacing that is an integer multiple of a base spacing, creating locally optimized wavelength distributions that avoid interference while maximizing wavelength component diversity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multiple wavelength light sources use mode-locked lasers or Fabry-Perot modulators, then wavelength generation capability is achieved, but apparatus complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple copies of simpler laser sources instead of one complex mode-locked laser or Fabry-Perot modulator system. Each laser source is a relatively simple component, but by copying and combining multiple such sources with different frequency spacings, the system achieves multiple wavelength generation capability without the complexity of conventional approaches.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the generation of multiple lights with different wavelengths, reducing apparatus complexity and cost, and providing a stable light source for wavelength multiplexed optical communication systems, with the ability to modulate each light component for varied information, enhancing testing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical SSB modulator (101)... a frequency of the input light is shifted (f0+fm) by the optical SSB modulator (101)
Implementation Method 2
an optical amplifier (102) for compensating a conversion loss by the optical SSB modulator
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple wavelength light source capable of generating lights of more wavelengths, and a generation method for multiple wavelength light using a multiple wavelength light source.A multiple wavelength light source of the present invention is a multiple wavelength light source having an optical comb generator for obtaining an input light and a group of lights shifted from the input light by predetermined frequencies; and an optical adjusting portion adjusting lights to be inputted to the optical comb generator; wherein the optical comb generator is composed of an optical fiber loop (105) which is provided with an optical SSB modulator (101), an optical amplifier (102) for compensating a conversion loss at the optical SSB modulator, an optical input port (103) for inputting lights from the light source, and an optical output port (104) for outputting lights, and the optical adjusting portion obtains a plurality of lights having different wavelengths.